DUBLIN, Ireland: The introduction of body cameras for garda is scheduled to commence in 2025, with a pilot program to initiate in 2024.

These body cameras are compact, lightweight devices that will be visible when worn by garda on duty. They will record footage, storing it internally in an encrypted format. This recorded data will be uploaded when the garda docks the camera at the Garda station.

The footage these cameras capture will be uploaded at the end of a shift. It can serve as crucial evidence in court cases or be deleted after an agreed-upon timeframe if not required as evidence.

Before deploying these cameras for public use, An Garda Sochna will create and release comprehensive public policies and internal operational guidelines following consultations with relevant stakeholders.

Current legislation does not permit the use of facial recognition technology on footage collected by these body cameras. However, the government intends to establish a legal framework to enable such use.

Andrew O'Sullivan, Chief Information Officer for An Garda Sochna, emphasized the importance of modernizing policing with electronic tools to enhance public safety in today's digital society. He said, "Today's RFI represents another major milestone in the delivery of the Garda data and technology vision for public safety in Ireland."